Rejuvenating your skin

Facial massage gels help in healing and mending, among many other benefits, explains Rachit Gupta

There is nothing better than a healthy skin glow. What people don’t tell you is that make-up also looks better on healthy rejuvenated skin. A lot of focus is given to cleansing and moisturising, but face massage is equally important.

Massaging the face using hands increases blood circulation and relaxes the skin, taking stress and tiredness right out. Face massages can also help in collagen synthesis to ensure skin brightening and smoothening the fine lines. One should massage the skin two to three times a week to get the desired results. It is unrealistic to expect one face massage or facial to result in miraculous results, consistent effort is required for real results.  

Facial skin is more delicate than the skin on the rest of the body and demands a lot of attention and care. Hectic lifestyles make the facial skin lose the sheen and natural glow. The solution for common problems like patchy skin tone, dullness, acne, scars or spots, premature aging, etc. is to include face massages with natural gels in one’s routine. Gels are recommended especially as they suit varied skin types and do not harm the skin. They lightly moisturise and bring back the shine of the face. Chemical products might result in irritation, inflammation, or even breakouts. But natural gel mostly does not have such reactions or side effects.

Often people believe that regular scrubbing can solve all problems. Scrubbing is an essential part of facial skincare but is incomplete in isolation. Scrubbing alone cannot eliminate acne, age spots, or lessen fine lines. Scrubbing helps in removing dead skin, unclog pores, removes oil and dirt. But, scrubbing too frequently or without the follow-up of the right nourishment routine, scrubbing can disrupt the natural protective barrier of the facial skin. In some cases, excess scrubbing causes rashes, micro-tears, and increased sensitivity. A natural gel face massage revitalises the facial skin.

Just five minutes of care can give wonderful results not just in terms of healthier skin but as a great stress buster.

 What can a five-minute massage do?

• Improve blood circulation gives a natural glow to the face.
• Removes toxins by moving the lymphatic fluid.
• Regular massages help in reducing fine lines and can keep wrinkles at bay.
• Increases collagen production that helps in improving elasticity and preventing the skin from sagging, thus, keeping it young.
• Gel face massage has de-puffing potential.
• Results in even and radiant skin tone, also help in reducing acne and scars.
• Reduces stress not only in the muscles but also helps in relaxing mentally, leaving one’s mood elevated.

How to do it right?

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Wash your face with water or a gentle face wash and pat dry.
• Apply a natural face massage gel on the face.
• Steam your face to help open up your pores.

• Use your fingers to massage the skin with gentle pressure only. Massage in a circular motion. One can also use a roller.
• Things to keep in mind while massaging your face: Do not use a lot of pressure while massaging. Be careful and gentle around the eyes as the skin is very sensitive, use soft movement. Use slow and outward motion to massage your face. Move thoroughly and cover all areas from forehead to the neck.
• The skin looks amazing after a gel facial massage, but how does one retain the glow?
• To retain the benefits and reduce further damage to facial skin, Remove make-up properly at the end of the day. Cleanse your skin regularly. Use a delicate face wash and not soap for daily cleansing. Use good sunscreen to avoid damage by the sun.

Choose natural gels for massage which contain aloe vera and/or herbs or mint or rose. Gels provide light moisturising and are not oily. They provide much-needed nourishment to the facial skin. They are versatile and suit dry skin types as much as oily skin. Most people have combination skin and are always concerned about which product to choose. In this case, one cannot go wrong with natural gels. Gels also help in healing and mending the skin due to their beneficial ingredients.

(The author is the director of OxyGlow Cosmetics Pvt Ltd.)